New Zealand vs Namibia team news - Rugby World Cup 2015: Steve Hansen makes 12 changes to team that beat Argentina

Sam Cane will captain the side

(Getty Images)

New Zealand coach Steve Hansen will make 12 changes to the team that beat Argentina when the All Blacks face Namibia on Wednesday.

Sam Cane will captain the side in place of Richie McCaw at the Olympic Stadium, with Sam Whitelock the only forward to keep his place from the 26-12 win over the Pumas.

Three centurions, a World Cup record, will take their place on the bench, with McCaw joined by hooker Kevin Mealamu and Tony Woodcock.

Hansen says that 23-year-old Cane, who will be the fifth youngest captain in New Zealand history, has the potential to replace McCaw as a future captain.

"He is in our leadership group, is hugely respected by everyone, is a fierce and fearless player and is someone who has the potential of being a long-term captain of the All Blacks in the future," Hansen told www.allblacks.com.

Cane scored a try at Wembley against Argentina.

Five players, Liam Messam, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Malakai Fekitoa, Codie Taylor and Luke Romano, will be making their World Cup debuts.

Hansen added: "At the completion of this match, 30 of the 31 players in our squad will have experienced time in the middle of the park, which will give us a good foundation base going forward and which was always part of our planning pre-tournament. It's now their time to step up."

New Zealand: Colin Slade; Nehe Milner-Skudder, Malakai Fekitoa, Sonny Bill Williams, Julian Savea; Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara; Ben Franks, Codie Taylor, Charlie Faumuina, Luke Romano, Sam Whitelock, Liam Messam, Sam Cane (capt), Victor Vito.

Replacements: Kevin Mealamu, Wyatt Crockett, Tony Woodcock, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Ma'a Nonu, Ben Smith.